Introduction — Samsung’s 2023 Flagship Still Going Strong
When the Samsung Galaxy S23+ debuted in early 2023, it represented the perfect balance between flagship performance and practical design. With its premium aluminum build, brilliant 6.6-inch AMOLED 120Hz display, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it delivered top-tier performance without the bulk of the Ultra model.
Fast forward to 2025, and the S23+ still feels incredibly modern. It supports the latest One UI 8 (Android 16), offering the same software experience as Samsung’s newest devices. Thanks to its refined efficiency, great camera system, and long-term software support, it remains one of the best Android phones to buy in the refurbished market.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23+ models now start at around $240+, making it a smart choice for those seeking a flagship experience at a midrange price. However, if you’re looking to save more, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+, priced around $160+, offers similar features and performance — though with slightly shorter update support.
Galaxy S23+ Overview and Key Features
The Galaxy S23+ builds upon Samsung’s proven design language, combining durability, efficiency, and premium performance in a balanced package. Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy — a customized, overclocked version of Qualcomm’s top-tier chip — it delivers blazing-fast speed, improved thermal efficiency, and longer battery life.
Its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display provides excellent brightness and color accuracy, reaching up to 1750 nits peak for outdoor visibility. Paired with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, it offers ultra-smooth scrolling and fluid gaming experiences.
Here are the key highlights:
- Display: 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm, overclocked)
- Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom), 12MP front
- Battery: 4700 mAh with 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless
- Build: Armor Aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
- Software: Ships with Android 13, fully upgraded to One UI 8 (Android 16)
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra Wideband (UWB)
- Security & Updates: Four years of Android upgrades and five years of security patches
The Galaxy S23+ continues to deliver flagship-level features at a fraction of the cost in 2025 — offering a sleek, high-performance smartphone experience that feels just as fast and future-ready as Samsung’s newest devices.
Price and Value in 2025
As of 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the premium smartphone segment. While the newer Galaxy S24+ commands a much higher price tag, the S23+ remains a sweet spot — combining flagship power, great cameras, and long-term software support at a much lower cost.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23+ models now start around $240+, depending on storage configuration and condition. That’s a compelling price for a phone that still delivers cutting-edge performance and supports One UI 8 (Android 16) — the same software found on Samsung’s latest flagships.
By comparison, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ starts around $160+, making it a great alternative for buyers on a tighter budget. The S22+ still holds up well with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, solid cameras, and similar design — though it will reach the end of its update window about a year earlier than the S23+.
Here’s why the S23+ stands out as a value-packed option in 2025:
- ✅ Long-Term Support: Guaranteed software updates through 2028, ensuring future compatibility and security.
- ⚡ Flagship Power: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers better efficiency, smoother gaming, and lower heat generation than the S22+.
- 📸 Improved Cameras: Enhanced image processing and dynamic range deliver sharper photos in all lighting conditions.
- 🔋 Better Battery Life: Thanks to the more efficient chipset and larger 4700 mAh battery.
- 🧠 Refined One UI 8 Experience: Includes AI-powered tools and optimizations for multitasking and personalization.
At around $240+, the Galaxy S23+ strikes a perfect balance between cost, performance, and longevity — making it one of the best refurbished Samsung flagships to buy in 2025. For those who prefer saving even more, the S22+ remains a good secondary option, but the S23+ clearly provides the stronger long-term value.
Performance and Software Support (One UI 8 / Android 16)
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ continues to deliver flagship-level speed and efficiency in 2025. This processor — an enhanced, overclocked version of Qualcomm’s 2023 flagship chip — offers outstanding performance for gaming, multitasking, and power management. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found in the S22+, it runs cooler, consumes less battery, and handles sustained workloads with ease.
Everyday performance remains incredibly fluid. Whether you’re streaming 4K video, running productivity apps, or playing demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile, the S23+ maintains consistent frame rates and minimal thermal throttling. The combination of 8GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage also ensures fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and excellent responsiveness.
On the software side, the S23+ runs the latest One UI 8 (Android 16), released in late 2025. Samsung’s refined interface offers a clean and intuitive experience with added AI-powered features such as:
- Smart Suggestions and Contextual Shortcuts for quicker app actions.
- Enhanced Battery Optimization that intelligently adapts power usage to daily habits.
- Galaxy AI features improving live translations, text summarization, and productivity tools.
- Refined Privacy Dashboard and on-device encryption for added data protection.
Samsung has committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for the Galaxy S23 lineup. Since it launched in 2023 with Android 13 (One UI 5), the S23+ is expected to receive its final major Android version — Android 17 (One UI 9) — around 2026 or 2027. After that, it will continue to receive Quarterly Security Updates for an additional year or two, likely extending through 2028.
This means the Galaxy S23+ will stay secure and compatible for several more years, offering long-term stability and software reliability comparable to newer Samsung flagships — and far longer than most Android devices in its price range.
Camera and Display Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ continues to impress in 2025 with a camera system that balances sharpness, color accuracy, and versatility — all powered by refined AI image processing. Its triple-lens setup features a 50MP wide sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, delivering results that rival newer flagships in most conditions.
Samsung’s computational photography has matured, producing more natural skin tones and less aggressive sharpening compared to previous generations. Low-light performance, in particular, saw major improvements with the S23+ thanks to its adaptive pixel-binning technology and better noise reduction in Night Mode. Videos remain among the best in class, with stable 4K 60fps recording and enhanced HDR for brighter, more balanced results in challenging lighting.
Selfie performance also gets an upgrade — the 12MP front camera supports advanced portrait and video stabilization features, making it ideal for vloggers and video calls. Samsung’s camera app continues to offer extensive Pro and Expert RAW modes, allowing users to fine-tune ISO, shutter speed, and white balance for professional-level shots.
Display quality is another area where the Galaxy S23+ shines. Its 6.6-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness — reaching up to 1750 nits in outdoor mode. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures silky-smooth scrolling while conserving battery when viewing static content.
Compared to the S22+, the S23+’s display offers slightly improved brightness, better color calibration, and a more efficient LTPO panel, making it one of the most balanced and visually stunning screens in its class.
Whether you’re streaming HDR videos, editing photos, or gaming, the S23+ provides a crisp, immersive viewing experience that feels truly premium — easily matching the quality of 2024 and 2025 flagship displays.
Battery and Charging Performance
Battery life has always been a key strength of the Samsung Galaxy S23+, and in 2025 it remains one of the most efficient large-screen Android phones available in the refurbished market. Equipped with a 4700 mAh battery and the highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, the S23+ easily lasts through a full day of heavy use — even with its bright 120Hz AMOLED display.
Thanks to the improved power management introduced with One UI 8 (Android 16), the S23+ intelligently optimizes background activity, app usage, and display refresh rates to extend endurance. For most users, that translates to roughly 7–8 hours of screen-on time, depending on brightness settings and workload.
Charging performance is equally impressive. The phone supports 45W wired fast charging, allowing it to recharge from 0–65% in about 30 minutes, or a full charge in under an hour when using Samsung’s Super Fast Charger. Wireless charging is available at 15W, along with Wireless PowerShare, which lets you top up accessories like Galaxy Buds or a smartwatch directly from the phone’s back panel.
Compared to the Galaxy S22+ — which has a smaller 4500 mAh battery and slightly less efficient chipset — the S23+ consistently delivers longer runtime and faster recharging. It’s an ideal upgrade for users who value battery reliability, especially those upgrading from older flagships or midrange devices.
Overall, the Galaxy S23+ offers excellent endurance, rapid charging speeds, and convenient wireless options that keep it feeling as modern as any 2025 flagship. Whether you’re a power user, traveler, or casual consumer, its combination of longevity and flexibility ensures a stress-free daily experience.
Best Value Alternative — Galaxy S22+
For shoppers who want flagship performance at an even lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ remains an outstanding value in 2025. While it’s a year older than the S23+, it still delivers a premium experience with only minor trade-offs — and its lower price makes it one of the best budget-friendly flagship options on the refurbished market.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ models now start around $160+, which is roughly $80 less than the S23+. At that price, you still get a large 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and solid battery life. It also supports One UI 8 (Android 16) in 2025, meaning it runs the same software experience as Samsung’s latest flagships.
Here’s how the S22+ compares to the S23+ at a glance:
| Feature | Galaxy S22+ | Galaxy S23+ |
|---|
| Launch Year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm, overclocked) |
| Display | 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.6" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1750 nits |
| Brightness | Up to 1300 nits | Up to 1750 nits |
| Battery | 4500 mAh, 45W Fast Charging | 4700 mAh, 45W Fast Charging |
| Camera System | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto |
| Software Support (2025) | Android 16 (One UI 8) | Android 16 (One UI 8) |
| Expected End of Support | 2026–2027 | 2027–2028 |
| Starting Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $160+ | $240+ |
While both models look nearly identical and share the same display size and camera system, the S23+ offers better energy efficiency, improved heat control, and slightly longer software support. However, for buyers focused purely on savings, the S22+ provides roughly 90% of the S23+ experience at a much lower cost.
In real-world use, you’ll notice minimal performance difference between the two — especially for web browsing, social media, or video streaming. The S22+ may run a bit warmer during extended gaming sessions, but it remains smooth, responsive, and reliable for everyday use.
Suppose your priority is getting a modern Samsung flagship without spending over $200. In that case, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ is the best value alternative in 2025 — offering flagship design, strong performance, and excellent software support for a much lower price.
Conclusion — The Galaxy S23+ Is Still a Smart Buy in 2025
In 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ remains one of the smartest smartphone purchases in the premium category. It delivers the perfect balance of performance, design, and software longevity — all without the steep price tag of newer models. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, equipped with a bright 120Hz AMOLED display, and running One UI 8 (Android 16), it continues to perform like a current flagship while costing far less.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23+ models start around $240+, making it a fantastic deal for anyone who wants a high-end device with long-term support through 2028. For budget-conscious buyers, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+, starting around $160+, is an equally strong contender — delivering most of the same features and software support for less.
If you want a future-proof phone with premium design, smooth performance, and powerful cameras, the Galaxy S23+ is still an excellent investment in 2025. It may not be Samsung’s newest model, but it’s easily one of the best values in the refurbished flagship market today.
FAQ: Buying the Galaxy S23+ in 2025
1. How much does the Galaxy S23+ cost in 2025?
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23+ models start around $240+, depending on condition and storage.
2. Is the Galaxy S23+ still supported by Samsung?
Yes. The Galaxy S23+ runs the latest One UI 8 (Android 16) in 2025 and will continue receiving major Android updates through 2026 or 2027, followed by security updates through 2028.
3. How long will the Galaxy S23+ receive updates?
Samsung promises four years of Android version updates and five years of security patches for the S23 series, meaning it will remain supported until at least 2028.
4. Is the Galaxy S23+ still a good phone in 2025?
Absolutely. It offers flagship-level performance, excellent cameras, and long-lasting battery life — making it one of the best Android phones to buy refurbished.
5. What’s the difference between the Galaxy S22+ and S23+?
The S23+ uses the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which offers faster performance, improved battery efficiency, and better thermal control compared to the S22+. It also has slightly longer software support and a brighter display.
6. Is the Galaxy S23+ worth buying over the S22+?
If you value longer support and better efficiency, the S23+ is worth the extra cost. But if you want to save money, the Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S22+ at $160+ still provides great value and runs the same Android version.
7. Does the Galaxy S23+ have good battery life?
Yes. Its 4700 mAh battery and efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset deliver excellent endurance — easily lasting a full day of heavy use.
8. Is the Galaxy S23+ camera still good in 2025?
Yes. The triple-lens system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) captures detailed, color-accurate shots and supports advanced AI processing for better low-light and HDR performance.
9. Does the Galaxy S23+ support fast and wireless charging?
Yes. It supports 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and Wireless PowerShare for charging accessories.
10. Should I buy the Galaxy S23+ new or Certified Refurbished?
The Certified Used or Refurbished Galaxy S23+ is the smarter choice in 2025 — it delivers the same premium experience at nearly half the cost of a new model, with the reliability of certified reseller testing and warranty coverage.
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